Psychosocial competencies during the transition to adulthood: Trajectories and covariates

Abstract

This study modeled trajectories of four psychosocial competencies (autonomy, industry, identity, and intimacy) across four years of university and year-to-year covariation of these competencies with typical student experiences (living away from parents, academic performance, dating, and alcohol use) in 195 Canadian students. Analyses revealed that, on average, autonomy and identity did not change over time. Accounting for gender differences, however, revealed some linear changes across time for these competencies. Industry and intimacy showed curvilinear trajectories of change. Year-to-year, students reported higher autonomy and identity when living away from their parents and when getting higher grades. They also reported higher industry when getting higher grades. When students dated they reported higher identity and intimacy; dating women also reported higher autonomy than dating men. When dating students reported higher intimacy they reported higher perceived affection within their romantic relationships. Possible mechanisms for the observed patterns and their implications are discussed.